Manchester United Set to Face High-Flying Brighton in Crucial Premier League Clash.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League | Steve Bardens/GettyImages

Manchester United's tails are high as they search for back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in an important Premier League fixture for both teams. United will be looking to build on their recent dramatic 3-1 win against Southampton, which broke a five-match winless run in the league. Despite the victory, they remain inconsistent, and manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping for a more cohesive performance as they chase a place in the top half of the table. 

Manchester United left it until the death as Amad Diallo wrestled away all three points for the Red Devils as they were staring down the barrel of an embarrassing defeat. Diallo has slowly warmed the hearts of the Manchester United faithful as a big-time last-minute scorer. In recent games, Diallo has scored last-minute goals against Manchester City, Liverpool and Southhampton to give his team all three points or a point from the game. Diallo has joined former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney as the youngest player to score a hattrick and joined the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to score a hattrick in the last ten minutes of an English Premier League game. The Ivorian has recently inked a new contract to see him at the club up to 2030. 

Manchester United Tactics

Heading into their match against Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United is expected to employ a tactical approach that combines defensive solidity with attacking transitions. They aim to exploit Brighton's high press and quick attacking play. With Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans injured, Manchester United might stick with a three-defender formation. Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Lisandro Martínez will likely be the back three, providing strength and leadership. Diogo Dalot’s return from suspension could strengthen the right flank from the bench. 

United will likely use a double pivot with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo to control the midfield. Ugarte will provide a shield in front of the defense, while Mainoo will link up play and look for moments to create attacking opportunities. Against a team like Brighton, who like to build from the back and press high, Manchester United may adopt a high defensive line, especially with their quick centre-backs like Martínez. The goal will be to limit space for Brighton’s forwards, especially Kaoru Mitoma, who is dangerous in wide areas. 

Amad Diallo has been in excellent form recently. His pace and dribbling ability will be vital in quick counterattacks, especially with Brighton committing numbers forward. Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui could be key, and Bruno Fernandes could provide width and pace on the other side. The wide players will be asked to join the attack and provide crosses into the box for a target man like Rasmus Højlund, who could look to exploit the space between Brighton's defenders. 

Given Brighton's high press, United could focus on quick counter-attacks. Bruno Fernandes’ vision and passing range will be crucial in launching swift transitions from defense to attack. Rasmus Højlund will likely act as the focal point in attack, looking to hold up play and link up with the wingers. His physicality will be key to winning aerial duels and creating space for others. 

United will also look to take advantage of set-piece situations, with Bruno Fernandes delivering dangerous balls into the box. Players like de Ligt and Hojlund will be threats in the air on corners and free-kicks. 

 Brighton & Hove Albion Tactics

On the other hand, Brighton comes into the match in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions. Brighton dispatched Ipswich 2-0 in their previous Premier League encounter, with goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma. The Seagull's recent record against Manchester United has been impressive, with the Seagulls winning five of the last six Premier League encounters, including two victories at Old Trafford. Brighton’s attacking play has been fluid and dangerous, with their high-pressing game and quick transitions causing problems for many Premier League sides. 

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Brighton has been successful in recent seasons with an aggressive high press, and they will likely use this tactic to disrupt United's build-up play. United has struggled against teams that press high and quickly win possession in dangerous areas, so Brighton will look to force mistakes from the United defence, particularly from their centre-backs and midfielders. Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, and Evan Ferguson (if he plays) will be key players in the press, looking to force turnovers and create counter-attacking opportunities. 

Brighton is known for their composure in possession, and they will aim to control the game by dominating midfield. Yasin Ayari and Carlos Baleba will be key in dictating the tempo, while the fullbacks, especially Tariq Lamptey, will push forward to offer width and create overloads in wide areas. By keeping the ball and patiently building attacks, Brighton will try to wear down Manchester United and create openings through their fluid passing and movement. 

The Seagulls will likely look to exploit the wide areas, especially given United’s injury problems at full-back. With the pace of Mitoma and Minteh on the wings, Brighton will look to stretch United’s defense and create 1v1 situations. Lamptey and Pervis Estupiñán will provide additional support from full-back, making overlapping runs to stretch United's defensive lines and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. 

In transition, Brighton will rely on its pace and technical ability to move the ball quickly from defence to attack. With United potentially pushing forward to dominate possession, Brighton could look to hit on the counter, using Enciso's speed to exploit spaces left by United’s attacking players. Brighton’s ability to transition quickly and create numerical advantages in forward areas will be crucial to breaking down United’s defense. 

While Brighton will press high, they will also need to be solid defensively, particularly in transition. United has attacking threats like Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Rasmus Højlund, so Brighton will need to maintain a compact defensive shape. They will likely deploy a back four with a disciplined midfield to protect their defence and minimize spaces for United’s creative players to operate. 

United will be missing key players due to injury, including Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount. However, Diogo Dalot returns from suspension, which should provide a boost in defence. Brighton also has some injury concerns, with Igor Julio, Ferdi Kadioglu, James Milner, and Mats Wieffer sidelined. Nevertheless, they have welcomed back key players such as Joao Pedro, Tariq Lamptey, and Georginio Rutter, adding depth to their squad. 

Both teams will be eager to secure all three points, but the game promises to be challenging contest. Manchester United will need to be disciplined defensively and clinical in attack, with players like Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Rasmus Højlund key to their chances. Brighton will look to continue their high pressing and rely on the creativity of players like Kaoru Mitoma and Rutter to break down United’s defence. This clash will be pivotal for both teams as they aim to achieve their season goals. United will aim to end Brighton's dominance at Old Trafford, while Brighton will seek to continue their strong form and take another significant scalp in the Premier League. 

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